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Le Blush Cream de Chanel 65 Affinite and 63 Revelation Review, Swatches and FOTD

September 29, 2013

I finally get back into the swing of shopping and wearing makeup again! And my first purchase since my “break” was the Le Blush Cream De Chanel in 65 AFFINITE and 63 REVELATION. I wore these on several occasions and I absolutely adore them. They are now becoming one of my top three favorite cream blushes – on par with my Addiction Cheek Sticks and the Stila Convertibles.

My thought on these cream blushes is that the texture would go well with every skin type. The cream blush is extremely finely milled so it doesn’t settle into the pores. And it is extremely easy to blend into a natural and even finish. I only need a tiny dab of it to create a natural flush of color on the cheeks. The finish strikes a perfect balance between creamy and powdery (see the comparison swatch below), and it sets into the skin seamlessly without enhancing dry patches and pores.

There is no surprise that I picked up two of the most popular pink shades from the range. The must-have 65 AFFINITE which has been out of stock for a long time, and the 63 REVELATION that goes with any makeup look all year round.

65 AFFINITE is a bright strawberry pink with a hint of blue undertone that sets into a semi-matte finish. If you think the color looks quite ordinary when it is swatched on hand, then you should give it a try on the face. It’s one of those ‘magical’ bright pink shades that instantly transforms a dull and lifeless complexion into a fresh and youthful looking one.

63 REVELATION is a warm peachy pink. It is a no brainer soft pink shade that is easy to wear when you are on the go.

Comparison Swatches with Addiction Cheek Stick Amazing; Stila Convertible Gerbera, YSL Cream Blush 9 (reviewed here), Stila Convertible Lillium

FOTD 1 wearing shade 65 AFFINITE

FOTD 2 wearing shade 63 REVELATION

Other products used:

RMK Foundation, Lunasol Summer Eyes 2013, YSL Lipstick PINK IN PARIS in FOTD 1, and CORAIL INCANDESCENT in FOTD 2 (reviewed here)

Bottom Line: If these blushes can make me look like ‘have slept for 8 hours’ (which indeed I only sleep less than 5 hours a day…), then they really are doing something magical that’s worth the splurge. I bought the Chanel Cream Blush at David Jones for $60 each. Both shades are available here in the US. You can also get them from Harrods with international shipping and VAT Tax deduction available.

{ 20 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL • FOTD • YSL

LUNASOL SUMMER 2013 Kit Review, Swatches and EOTD

August 10, 2013

I was drooling over the Limited Edition LUNASOL Summer 2013 Kit which was only exclusive to Japan as soon as it was released, so when my dear friend Elaine happened to be in Japan at that time, I jumped the gun and asked her to purchase this set for me (along with some other beautiful makeup items)! I just received all the goodies today and this set is truly taking my breath away – I love every single product included in the set and particularly the beautiful coral eye shadow quad.

The coral themed LE Summer 2013 kit contains the following items which retails for $8400 YEN + tax that is very good value for money!

* Summer Eyes 2013 EX01 Light Coral Beige (full size)
* W Gloss Lips EX03 Fresh Coral × Fresh Red (full size)
* Lucent Cheeks EX03 Light Coral (mini size)
* Nail Finish N EX16 BrightRed (mini size)
* a well-made canvas cosmetics bag

The Summer Eyes 2013 EX01 Quad is the main reason that got me to purchase the set. I love the fact that it contains a soft coral and a pink color that just add a different twist to a “tired” neutral palette. It is a very fresh and feminine palette to wear during spring and summer. Wearing a pop of pink or soft red shade on the eyes is trending in Asia lately as they make your eyes appear more innocent and youthful looking. Along with this quad, my other favorite pick is the Suqqu Blend Color eyeshadow EX16 from its Fall 2013 Collection which also contains a hot pink shade that is on the way!

The quality of this quad is of typical premium Japanese eye shadows (very similar to Addictions) – all of the eye shadows are velvety smooth and cushiony soft. All shades are moderately pigmented in pearly translucent finish, and they all have micro shimmer with a soft gleam.

Swatch of Lunasol Vivid Clear Eyes Summer 2013 EX01

Swatches of the rest of the items:

EOTD:

Wearing (A) all over the lid, (B) over the eye socket area and (D) along the upper lash line with (E) added on to the outer-v.

Wearing (B) along the lower lash line, then (C) is added to the tear duct and lined (E) to the outer one third.

Lip Gloss Swatch with both colors layered together:

Bottom Line: You should not miss out on this kit if you can get your hands on it! Please refer to this post on Rouge Deluxe for availability in Japan.

{ 6 comments }

Labels: EYESHADOW • LIPGLOSS • LUNASOL

Les Merveilleuses Laduree Summer 2013 Collection – Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101 and 102 Blushes Reviews, Swatches and FOTDs

July 3, 2013

The Les Merveilleuses LADUREE makeup collection has caused a stir when it was first released in Japan about a year ago, and many girls fell head over heels with their French-inspired packaging and their dreamy line of products. I have been resisting the temptation for so long…until I spotted the new Les Merveilleuses by Laduree Summer 2013 Collection. It was love at first sight for the two new Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101 and 102 Blushes released as part of the collection for me. Everything about this blush is calling my name!

Firstly let’s talk about the packaging. As with most Japanese makeup, the blush and the case are sold separately. The design of the case is on the vintage-side with a Victorian flair. I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of anything vintage…but they are growing on me in an inexplicable way and they do look ‘more appealing’ in real life!

The mirrored-case is made of plastic but it feels quite sturdy. There are two compartments with a brush included.

On to the most exciting part of the review – the blush itself! As you can see, the blush has a beautiful marbled design of different colors. It is very densely packed with a velvety texture, with absolutely no powder debris fall on to the side of the pan when swirling a brush over it. Pigmentation is moderate (as with most Japanese makeup), which means 2-3 swipes is enough for the color to show on my face (NC15).

101 is a neutral pink mixed with of watermelon pink and ivory. Mixing them it gives a wash of perfect soft neutral pink (leans slightly cool on my cool tone skin) that is very girly and fresh.

102 is a peach color mixed with muted lavender and tangerine. Mixing them gives a luminous wash of soft peachy pink, which is the most versatile color for most complexions.

Les Merveilleuses LADUREE Pressed Cheek Color Swatches: Left 101 Right 102

FOTD 1 – wearing Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101

FOTD 2 – wearing Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 102

Other products used:

1. Cle De Peau Brightening Enhancer Base (reviewed here)

2. YSL Rouge Volupte 13 Peach Passion in FOTD 2

3. Addiction Sugar Rusk Eye Palette (reviewed here)

4. Shu Uemura Eye Brow Pencil Seal Brown

5. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

6. Dolly Wink False Eye Lashes 01 Dolly Sweet

7. YSL Glossy Stain 15 Rose Vinyl in FOTD 1

8. Shu Uemura Precise Volume Waterproof Mascara

The Les Merveilleuses LADURE Mixed Pressed Cheek Color LE 101 and 102 can be purchased here.

{ 11 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • CHANTECAILLE • FALSE LASHES • FOTD • Les Merveilleuses Laduree • YSL

Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush Review

May 20, 2013

After my success with the Suqqu Cream Foundation, I have been exploring the beauty of cream foundations of different brands and I am absolutely loving the result! So naturally I started looking for a brush that is designed especially for cream foundation application, and the Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush was on top of my wish list. Tom Ford makeup brushes have won a lot of raves amongst the bloggers, and I have waited a long time before delving into this hype as I knew I would be addicted to them. And I was right – the brush is ultra luxurious and functional which makes me want to collect the rest of the collection, but they will seriously burn a hole in your wallet!

The design has a round and fat brush head, and it is extremely densely packed. The hair is ultra soft which feels to me like the finest goat hair so it has some degree of resistance in it. Perhaps that is why they recommend this brush for cream foundation as it has more ‘strength’ to blend thicker and creamier product into your skin than a conventional flat head foundation brush. Having said that, I have tried this brush with a runny liquid foundation, and it works just as good. So please note that it is not restricted to cream products only.

Why should you get it?

The brush feels unlike any other foundation brushes I have used. It feels ‘cushiony’, meaning I can barely feel there is any hair against my skin – it almost feels like I am applying foundation with a piece of marshmallow on a handle! It’s soft, bouncy and dense. and it gives a completely streak free result. I don’t have problem working around the corners with this brush, but you might need a small brush for more precision work.

Other similar brushes:

Tom Ford brushes are made in Japan. As you all know, the Japanese excel in making brushes, and here are some relatively cheaper Japanese brushes that are comparable to TF:

– Shu Uemura Natural 18 Goat Brush: It retails for around the same price in Australia so I opted for TF. The hairs are equally soft but less dense.

– RMK Foundation Brush: RMK is also known for this brush which I have yet to try, but I have heard good reviews about it.

– Chikuhoko GS10 Foundation Brush

Bottom Line: I probably won’t suggest this brush as your first foundation brush because of the high price tag. But if you are looking into expanding your collection, this is the one to invest. It brings a totally different experience in foundation application. I know it’s expensive, but good brushes will last you for a very long time. I bought mine from David Jones for AUD$108, and you can get this brush here in the US.

On a side note, I have been asked by many of my readers where do I store my brushes. I store my favourite (expensive) brushes in a roller as I like to keep them dust free, and lie them flat so the bristles don’t change it shape over time! For my other brushes I normally place them in my Anna Sui brush holders and leave them on my vanity table for easy access.

Tip: If you are after a brush roller, make sure it is made of non-stick fabric such as canvas, cotton or nylon. Though leather or faux leather look better, they tend to get sticky in hot weather and might scratch the paint/writing off the handles.

{ 18 comments }

Labels: BRUSHES • Tom Ford

YSL Spring 2013 – Creme de Blush 09 Review and Swatches

April 22, 2013

The YSL Creme de Blush 9 from its 2013 Spring Collection is a stunner for anyone who is on the quest for a perfect shade of baby pink blush. I spotted this blush by accident when I was actually shopping for the Rouge Volupte Shine lipsticks, and as soon as I swatched this blush on my skin I knew I had to have this one! It is a match made in heaven for anyone with a neutral to cool skin tone. YSL excels in coming up with nude and pale pink shades with blue undertone that helps to counteract the redness. These shades might not be for everyone, but once you find a good match for your skin tone, you will probably stick to it forever.

I adore the packaging of Creme de Blush which looks like a little gem-box. The texture is much better than what I expected for a cream blush. It is a silicone based creamy blush and although I don’t normally like makeup products overloaded with silicone, this blush is just right. It feels moderately creamy without the grease, and it has enough slip in it so it glides on to the skin smoothly and evenly. The blush is very finely milled and the silicone indeed helps with concealing the pores and dry patches. It sets into a powdery and semi-matte finish.

Swatch

I pulled out some of my cool pink (varies from baby pink to bubblegum pink) cream blushes. Although YSL 09 leans cool, its still has some warmth compared to the other shades which makes it very versatile and wearable on most skin tones.

From Left to Right: YSL Cream Blush 09, Etude House Lip & Cheek 02; Canmake Cream Cheek 03; RMK Light Pink ; Addiction Cheek Stick Amazing (review coming soon!)

Bottom Line: Gotta have it! I bought mine at David Jones for AUD$65. It is available here in the US , or here with international shipping with VAT deduction upon checkout.

{ 16 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • YSL

Balenciaga Florabotanica Eau de Parfum Spray Review

December 1, 2012

Hi everyone, happy weekend! Today I have a rather unusual product to review – The Balenciaga Florabotanica Eau de Parfum Spray. I hardly review fragrances as I am really not that great describing scents, but I like this one very much so I thought I’ll share my two cents with you.

“Balenciaga Florabotanica is inspired by the woman who is beautiful but dangerous like many rare botanical flowers. This new scent twists Turkish rose with hemp and vetiver roots for an addictive trail”.

A lot of floral fragrances can smell too sweet for me, but this one is very unique, complex yet feminine. I didn’t think it was my type of scent when I first sampled it, but it grew on me day to day. So I bought the 100ml (3.4oz) bottle in the end! I would describe the first note as a fresh floral scent with a hint of violet, leaf and mint. Once it dries down, the main note becomes a powdery woody scent (vetiver) – it’s clean, sexy and slightly floral. If my ordinary description does not tick your fancy, I urge you to give it a try at a shop if you get a chance. It is such a distinctive scent! It lasts about 8-10 hours on me with 4 and 5 sprays.

This Balenciaga makeup pouch was a gift with purchase

I bought mine at David Jones for AUD$155. You can also get this at Neiman Marcus in the US.

{ 4 comments }

Labels: Balenciaga • FRAGRANCE

NEW IN: Tribute

November 7, 2012

As summer is approaching, I bought my first pair of sandals for this year – the timeless YSL Tribute Patent Sandal (bought here!). Love the tannish nude color as it looks very versatile all year round. Although the heels are pretty high, the comfort has surpassed my expectations. I can walk in them for hours without grimacing. Despite the gorgeous look of them and the “Made-in Italy” stamp – which is rare as there are more prestige fashion houses moving their manufacturing to China lately (*cough* Burberry..Prada..), the practicality of these shoes are definitely worth the high price tag! And now I totally understand why people collect them in multiple colors – it’s an addiction with YSL Tribute!

{ 19 comments }

Labels: ACCESSORY • Fashion • SHOES • SHOP • YSL

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Mulberry and Midnight Brown Review and Swatches

October 6, 2012

I knew this would happen when I jumped on the Burberry Makeup wagon a while back – my addiction for them is growing at a “non-rational” pace. I have collected most of the items that I have set my eyes on, and today’s review is for the lust-worthy Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Mulberry and Midnight Brown. Both are dark neutral shades with an edge which is right up my alley. I bought them at the Burberry counter without even swatching them, so that was how confident I was with them!

Mulberry is from the Burberry Fall 2012 Makeup Collection. A deep burgundy brown shade with iridescent micro shimmer, which looks absolutely gorgeous from the pan. The color translates to the skin quite accurately, with a much stronger mauve undertone compared to Midnight Brown (see my swatch below). Just like the other Burberry eye shadows – the ultra finely-milled texture gives a silky satin finish with a gleam. Although it is a stunning shade on its own, it’s not the easiest color to work with for my skin tone. I needed to be quite cautious with the intensity during application, otherwise it could have looked a little muddy on me. But once I had made it work I loved the finish.

Midnight Brown is the clear winner between the two. I have read raving reviews and it completely lived up to my every single expectation! It is a taupe shade with gold and silver micro shimmer, and translates to a beautiful complex chestnut brown (with one swipe only) shade with a slight gold tinge on the skin, and you can build up the brown intensity by layering more. As I twist my hand to a different angle I see the undertone variations. It’s almost like looking at 50 shades of brown (and that’s my corny joke of the day!)

Left to Right: Mulberry; Midnight Brown

Wearing Mulberry alone

Note: Pictures of wearing Midnight Brown will be shown in my Becca Summer 2012 Makeup Collection Review post which has just been released in Australia.

Bottom Line: If you are still hesitating to get Midnight Brown, then you gotta pull the trigger now! It’s one of the most classic, complex taupe brown shades I have ever used! Mulberry is a nice-to-have but not a must-to-have imho. Both eye shadows are available here and here in the US, and for Australian customers you can buy them through Harrods with international shipping available (which I find is the cheapest after the deduction of VAT). In case you don’t know, Harrods is doing 10% off on everything this weekend!

{ 22 comments }

Labels: BURBERRY BEAUTY • EYESHADOW • FOTD

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